I've Been Doing It Wrong

United States
May 12, 2018 10:22pm CST
Apparently I've been walking with the use of one crutch wrong. You're supposed to hold it on the side of your body that's opposite your injury. Nobody told me this and I've been using it on the same side as my broken ankle. The difference is astounding. Suddenly walking is a lot easier. No more hobbling. Too bad I didn't think to Google the proper way to do this before now.
14 people like this
14 responses
@Starmaiden (9311)
• Canada
13 May 18
Luckily you discovered your mistake before any real, long term damage to your back was done.
2 people like this
• United States
13 May 18
Yes! My back doesn't hurt nearly as much now that I'm doing it properly!
2 people like this
@Jessabuma (31706)
• Baguio, Philippines
13 May 18
Hehehe!!! Why did the doctor didn't teach you about it?
1 person likes this
• United States
13 May 18
I am wondering the same thing! Guess they forgot...whoops!
1 person likes this
@Jessabuma (31706)
• Baguio, Philippines
13 May 18
@Srbageldog hahaha!!!
1 person likes this
@Ithink (9980)
• United States
20 May 18
I'm sorry I giggled! Not that I know how to use them but I just pictured the awe on your face as you figured it out and tried it. Glad it is easier for you thou.
1 person likes this
@Ithink (9980)
• United States
22 May 18
@Srbageldog Hmm just a thought ... wonder how many people saw you using them and went ..hmmm lol
1 person likes this
• United States
21 May 18
Haha, I was so excited to realize that there was an easier way, and also felt like a fool for not realizing it sooner! Ugh, but now I have to use both crutches again as I gradually bear weight on that foot.
1 person likes this
• United States
22 May 18
@Ithink Probably no one, since I never left my apartment and the only people who saw me had no idea how to use them either. Unless my neighbors were judging me through the window.
@sissy15 (12266)
• United States
20 May 18
I never really had an issue when I was on crutches but I was a lot younger when I used them and I didn't actually break anything I just severely bruised my foot to the point I couldn't walk on it. I never actually used one crutch so I could picture myself doing that too lol.
1 person likes this
@sissy15 (12266)
• United States
20 May 18
@Srbageldog I think that it's more that you're just as clumsy but don't get injured as easily because you're closer to the ground and you are younger and get over injuries quicker. I miss being younger lol. I'm not even THAT old but there is a big difference between your 20s and 30s let alone your 30s and teen years or younger.
1 person likes this
• United States
20 May 18
@sissy15 Exactly. Everything hurts more once you're older, too. Have you ever skinned your knee as an adult?? HUGE difference from skinning it as a kid!
• United States
20 May 18
I think crutches would have been easier to use when I was a kid. I was less clumsy then, or at least I didn't injure myself quite as easily. Back then I could fall down, get the wind knocked out of me, and be back up and running after a couple minutes.
1 person likes this
• United States
13 May 18
I never used crutches, but would have done the same, I would never have used it on the oposite side.
1 person likes this
• United States
13 May 18
@Srbageldog would be my thought too.
1 person likes this
• United States
13 May 18
I figured using it on the injured side would help take weight off of it, but apparently I was wrong.
1 person likes this
• Eugene, Oregon
13 May 18
How strange that the doc or even the people that gave you the crutches did not mention that.
1 person likes this
• United States
13 May 18
I know. They did show me how to properly use BOTH crutches, but nobody showed me how to properly use just the one once I got my boot.
@GardenGerty (157045)
• United States
13 May 18
It is really negligent of them not to teach you how to use them properly. I had to buy a cane for my husband last year after his stroke, and the physical therapist watched him use it, and adjusted it. We already knew about the opposite side as we have both worked in nursing homes where people regularly use these supportive devices. We would not have known before that though.
@chavezrmc (6095)
• Philippines
13 May 18
We can easily get information now a days. And here in Mylot too is the same.
1 person likes this
• United States
13 May 18
Yep, it certainly is easy now.
1 person likes this
@allen0187 (58447)
• Philippines
14 May 18
Never thought of this either.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (454973)
• Switzerland
13 May 18
How is it that nobody informed you how to use the crutch? They are supposed to show you how to use one crutch at the hospital.
@paigea (35511)
• Canada
13 May 18
I would have assumed you used it on the injured side too. Good thing you found what to do.
@Courtlynn (67002)
• United States
13 May 18
Like Michelle, I've never had to use them.. though had played with them as a kid, lol.. so i'd get it wrong too. Glad you know now though!
@andriaperry (116876)
• Anniston, Alabama
13 May 18
I do not know how to use them either!
1 person likes this
• United States
13 May 18
I hope you never have to use them, they are a pain!
@Hannihar (129125)
• Israel
13 May 18
@Srbageldog Glad it got straightened out so no damage was done.